Can You Get Scratches Out of Stainless Steel?

Introduction & Overview

If you’ve ever owned anything made of stainless steel—like a fridge, a sink, a watch, or even a kitchen table—you probably know one big downside: scratches. No matter how strong or shiny stainless steel is, those annoying little lines show up sooner or later. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through how to get scratches out of stainless steel using simple methods anyone can try at home.

Whether you’re dealing with light marks from regular use or deeper scratches from accidents, this blog will help you understand what you can do to make your stainless steel look smooth and polished again.

What Exactly Is Stainless Steel?

Before we dive into fixing scratches, it helps to know what stainless steel really is. Stainless steel is a type of metal that doesn’t rust easily. That’s why it’s used in things like kitchen sinks, cookware, and outdoor equipment. It gets its name from the fact that it “stays stainless”—meaning it resists rust and corrosion. But “stainless” doesn’t mean “scratchless.”

A common type you’ll often hear about is 304 stainless steel. Sometimes people get confused about terms like “is 18-8 the same as 304”. The short answer is: yes, they are basically the same thing. Both have similar amounts of chromium and nickel, which help fight off rust and keep that shiny look. So if you’re shopping for supplies or trying to fix something, knowing that 18-8 stainless steel is basically 304 can be helpful.

Can Scratches Be Removed from Stainless Steel?

Yes, they can! But how easy it is to remove them depends on how deep the scratch is. Shallow, surface-level scratches are the easiest to fix. You can usually handle them with household items. Deep scratches may take more time and effort, and in some cases, you might not be able to get rid of them 100%, but you can make them a lot less noticeable.

Here’s the thing to remember: stainless steel has a grain, just like wood. That means there are tiny lines running in one direction across the surface. When trying to fix scratches, it’s very important to always work with the grain, not against it. Going the wrong way can make the scratch worse or create more damage.

Things You’ll Need to Fix Scratches

Depending on the method you use, you’ll need different tools. Here are some common items that can help:

• Microfiber cloth
• Non-abrasive cleaner or stainless steel polish
• Baking soda
• Toothpaste (yes, really!)
• Fine-grit sandpaper (400 to 600 grit)
• Scotch-Brite pad
• Stainless steel scratch removal kit
  
  

Don't worry—you don’t need everything on this list. We'll walk through different levels of scratches and what works best for each.

For Light Scratches: Try Home Remedies

Light scratches are the easiest to fix. These are the tiny marks that show up from things like wiping with the wrong cloth or brushing against keys.

1. Toothpaste Trick

Yes, plain white toothpaste (not the gel kind) can help. Just squeeze a small amount onto a soft cloth and rub it gently along the grain. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry with a towel. You might be surprised how well it works.

2. Baking Soda Paste

Mix baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste. Apply it to the scratched area and rub gently with a microfiber cloth along the grain. Then wipe off with a clean damp cloth. This method is natural and gentle.

These methods are especially good for small stainless steel items like cutlery, cookware, or a stainless round tube used in furniture or handrails.

For Medium Scratches: Use a Scratch-Removal Pad

If the scratches are a bit deeper and you can feel them when you run your finger across, a soft pad like a Scotch-Brite pad can help.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Wet the surface lightly.
2. Rub the pad gently along the grain.
3. Keep pressure even and consistent.
4. Wipe off any residue and check your progress.
   
   

There are also stainless steel cleaning kits available that come with special cloths, pastes, or powders designed specifically for this job. These are great if you’re dealing with large surfaces like sinks or kitchen appliances.

For Deep Scratches: Sanding May Be Needed

If the scratch is deep and very visible, you may need to go a step further and use fine-grit sandpaper. But be careful—this can damage your surface if done incorrectly.

Steps:

1. Use 400 or 600 grit sandpaper and wrap it around a sanding block for control.
2. Dampen the area slightly.
3. Sand gently with the grain only.
4. After a few strokes, stop and check progress.
5. Once the scratch fades, switch to a finer grit to smooth it out.
6. Clean and polish the area afterward.
   
   

This method is best for flat, uncoated stainless steel surfaces. Don’t try this on shiny or coated appliances unless you know what you're doing.

Polishing Stainless Steel After Scratch Removal

No matter which method you use, once the scratch is gone or less visible, it’s a good idea to polish the area to bring back the shine.

You can use:

• Stainless steel polish
• Olive oil
• Baby oil
  
  

Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub along the grain. This not only makes your stainless steel look better, but it also helps hide tiny scratches and adds a bit of protection.

Preventing Future Scratches

Now that your stainless steel looks better, let’s keep it that way! Here are a few tips:

• Avoid steel wool or hard scrubbers.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning.
• Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
• Don’t drag metal objects across stainless surfaces.
• For items like a stainless round tube, use protective caps or covers where possible.
  
  

If you’re installing stainless steel parts at home, like tubing, pipes, or appliances, keep them covered during remodeling or cleaning to avoid accidental damage.

When Should You Leave It Alone?

In some cases, it’s okay to live with the scratch. If it’s very deep or in a hard-to-reach area, trying to fix it might do more harm than good. Also, if the stainless steel has a mirror or glossy finish, fixing one scratch may make the rest of the surface look uneven.

For example, some professional kitchen tools or industrial items are made of 304 stainless steel, and many people wonder: “is 18-8 the same as 304?” As mentioned earlier—yes, they’re nearly the same. These materials are tough and resist corrosion, but even they aren’t immune to surface scratches.

What If Nothing Works?

If you’ve tried everything and the scratch won’t go away, you have a few choices:

• Call a professional: Some companies specialize in stainless steel repair.
• Replace the part: For example, if it’s a small stainless round tube, it might be cheaper and easier to replace than fix.
• Disguise it: Use decorative magnets, covers, or even custom wraps to hide scratches on appliances.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

So, can you get scratches out of stainless steel? Absolutely! You just need to figure out how bad the scratch is and choose the right method. From simple tricks like using toothpaste or baking soda to more advanced techniques like sanding, there’s always something you can do to make things better.

And as a bonus, now you also know the answer to questions like “how to get scratches out of stainless steel” and “is 18-8 the same as 304”—which can help when shopping for tools, parts, or cleaning products.

Just remember: always work with the grain, be gentle, and don’t rush the process. Stainless steel may scratch, but it also gives you a chance to bring back the shine with a little care and patience.